Lotion application device

ABSTRACT

A lotion applicator includes a body including a holding tank adapted to store a quantity of lotion; a roller applicator at one end of the body; a pump mechanism adapted to pump lotion from the holding tank to the roller applicator; a manifold adjacent to the roller applicator adapted to coat the roller applicator with the lotion pumped from the holding tank; and a cover moveable between a first position in which it seals the roller applicator, thereby also sealing the holding tank, and a second position in which it uncovers the roller applicator for use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to a lotion applicationdevice. Particularly, the present subject matter relates to apump-driven device including a roller applicator that extends a user'sreach to efficiently apply lotion to the user's or another person'sbody.

People use various types of lotions and materials of similar consistencyfor numerous purposes. From moisturizing lotions, to sunscreens, toself-tanners, to sanitizing gels, to medications, etc. there is a verylarge range of materials with lotion-like consistencies that people mayapply in various circumstances.

There are numerous situations in which the application of lotion wouldoptimally be assisted by an application device. Such a device couldpotentially keep a user's hands clean, assist in applying lotion to hardto reach places, and help ensure a consistent application. However,previously existing lotion applicators fell short of these goals.

Accordingly, there is a need for a lotion applicator that is adapted toefficiently and effectively apply lotion, as described and claimedherein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a lotion applicator adapted toefficiently and effectively apply lotion, as well as function as astorage device for the lotion. In particular, the lotion applicatorprovided herein is adapted to dispense lotion onto the body easily andevenly, with a controlled rate of flow with a mess free, clean handsprocess.

The lotion applicator provided herein includes a pump mechanism fordelivering lotion to a roller applicator. A body provides an elongatedstructure that enables the user to extend his or her reach to make theapplication process easier. The body may include, for example, a handle,a trigger, a locking mechanism, and a cover.

The handle may include ergonomically shaped soft rubber grips to providea no-slip grip that is soft to the touch.

The trigger is the mechanism through which a user distributes the lotionfrom the pump mechanism to the roller applicator. Using the trigger, theuser controls the rate of the flow of the lotion to the rollerapplicator. In one embodiment, the trigger controls the operation of aspring-loaded, ratcheting pump mechanism that delivers the lotion to theroller applicator.

In one example of a pump mechanism that may be adapted to feed lotion toa roller applicator, the pump mechanism includes a holding tank, aratcheting piston, and a spring-loaded locking mechanism. The holdingtank may be, for example, a cylindrical holding tank adapted to holdapproximately 2.5 oz. of lotion, or roughly the amount of lotionrequired to complete at least two full body applications. The holdingtank may be filled from the top and sealed along the bottom by a pistondisk and gasket.

When a user depresses the trigger, the piston disk advances forward intothe holding tank to pressurize the lotion stored therein. The triggerturns a gear to advance a toothed arm that drives the piston disk. Thespring-loaded locking mechanism includes a pawl to prevent backlashmovement of the toothed arm. Accordingly, the trigger advances thepiston disk in one direction only. However, a user can release the pawlfrom the toothed arm by pulling the spring-loaded locking mechanism awayfrom the handle. When the spring-loaded locking mechanism is released,the piston disk may travel backwards within the holding tank, to enablea refill or otherwise reduce the pressure in the holding tank.

At the top of the holding tank a supply tube directs the flow of thelotion to a uniquely designed manifold that distributes the lotion ontothe roller applicator. The supply tube is positioned into fluid-tightcommunication with the holding tank through a holding tank cap. Theholding tank cap includes a central bore and screws onto the threadedtop of the holding tank. A head unit of the lotion applicator unscrewsfrom the handle to provide access to the holding tank cap, which itselfmay be removed for filling the holding tank.

In one example, the head unit unscrews counter-clockwise from the handleand can be removed to provide access to the holding tank cap. A user mayremove the holding tank cap to fill the holding tank. While the lotionapplicator is in an upright position and the holding tank cap has beenremoved, the user may release the spring-loaded locking mechanism andpush the piston disk back towards the bottom of the lotion applicator.The user may then fill the holding tank with the lotion of choice, screwthe holding tank cap back into place and then reassemble the head unitonto the handle.

A unique manifold is disclosed herein. The manifold is adapted to evenlydispense the lotion along the length of the roller applicator. As thelotion is pressure driven through the supply tube, it directed to aseries of outlets. Each outlet is sized appropriately to maintain aneven flow of the lotion across the width of the manifold. In a preferredembodiment, there is a plurality of outlets distributed even distancesacross the width of the manifold, which substantially spans the width ofthe roller applicator. The outlets most centrally located are thenarrowest in diameter and those most peripherally located are thelargest in diameter. The variation in outlet diameter varies thepressure at each outlet and provides a more consistent coating of lotionacross the width of the roller assembly. In addition, a distributionchannel is provided along the face of the manifold surrounding theoutlets, which also assists in evenly distributing the flow of thelotion across the roller applicator. In a preferred embodiment, thedistribution channel is a shallowly recessed rectangular channel thatallows the lotion to spread out within the distribution channel to bemore evenly spread across the roller applicator.

In a preferred embodiment, the roller applicator is a four-inch wide,dense foam with a felt outer layer that provides a soft, gentleapplication. It is understood, however, that the roller applicator maybe provided in various shapes, sizes, and materials to accomplish theadvantages described herein. Further, in a preferred embodiment, theroller applicator is removable for cleaning and/or replacement and, whenheld in place, the roller applicator is secured within the head unitdirectly against the manifold, which assists in keeping the dispensingof the lotion clog-free and even.

A removable cover protects the roller applicator. The cover may be, forexample, a clear plastic protector that rotates away from the rollerapplicator to uncover the roller applicator for use and then rotatesback into position to seal the head unit when it is not in use, forexample, when it is to be stored or transported.

The head unit may be reversible to adapt the lotion applicator foreither left or right hand use. The head unit may be reversed by removingit from the handle and reconnecting it after it has been rotated 180degrees.

In one example, a lotion applicator includes: a holding tank adapted tostore a quantity of viscous material; a body within which the holdingtank is located, wherein the body includes a proximal end and a distalend, wherein the body further includes a handle located closer to theproximal end than the distal end; a trigger located on the body suchthat a user can activate the trigger while grasping the handle; a rollerapplicator located adjacent to the distal end of the body; a pumpmechanism activated by the trigger to pump any viscous material storedin the holding tank from the tank; a manifold for receiving any viscousmaterial pumped from the holding tank and distributing any viscousmaterial pumped from the holding tank onto the roller applicator; and acover movable between a first position in which it seals the rollerapplicator and a second position in which the roller applicator isexposed.

In some embodiments, the manifold includes a plurality of outlets thatvary in diameter with respect to each other. For example, the manifoldmay include six evenly spaced outlets, including an inner pair ofoutlets, a middle pair of outlets, and an outer pair of outlets, whereinthe inner pair of outlets is the smallest and the outer pair of outletsis the largest. The manifold may further include a distribution channelsurrounding the outlets.

In some examples, squeezing the trigger towards the handle may activatethe trigger. Also, in some example, the roller applicator is a foamroller, for example a cylindrical shaped roller applicator.

The pump mechanism may include a piston disk that pressurizes anyviscous material stored in the holding tank when advanced into theholding tank by the trigger. The trigger may advance the piston diskusing a ratcheting mechanism. The piston disk may be prevented frombacking out of the holding tank by a spring-loaded locking mechanism.

In another example, a lotion applicator includes: a body including aholding tank adapted to store a quantity of lotion; a roller applicatorat one end of the body; a pump mechanism adapted to pump lotion from theholding tank to the roller applicator; a manifold adjacent to the rollerapplicator adapted to coat the roller applicator with the lotion pumpedfrom the holding tank; and a cover moveable between a first position inwhich it seals the roller applicator, thereby also sealing the holdingtank, and a second position in which it uncovers the roller applicatorfor use.

In some embodiments, the body includes a trigger that activates the pumpmechanism. For example, squeezing trigger may activate the pumpmechanism.

There are numerous manifolds that may be employed in the lotionapplicator. In one version, the manifold is approximately the same widthof the roller applicator. Further, the manifold includes a series ofoutlets across its width. The series of outlets may be evenly spacedacross the width of the manifold with the outlets further from center ofthe manifold being larger in diameter than the outlets closer to thecenter of the manifold. This configuration assists in delivering aconsistent amount of lotion across the width of the roller applicator.The manifold may further include a distribution channel surrounding theoutlets, which further assists in delivering a consistent amount oflotion across the width of the roller.

In some embodiments, the pump mechanism includes a spring-loaded lockingmechanism through which a user may reset the association between thepump mechanism and the holding tank. For example, releasing thespring-loaded locking mechanism may enable a user to refill the holdingtank with lotion and return the pump mechanism to a startingconfiguration.

An advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that it appliesand stores lotion.

Another advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that itholds enough lotion for several whole body applications.

A further advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that itextends the user's reach to address difficult to reach spots.

Yet another advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is thatit adjusts for right handed or left handed use.

Another advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that it ispump driven to control the flow of the lotion.

Still another advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is thatthe roller delivers the lotion to the skin with no waste and no mess.

Another advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that itprovides wide coverage helps avoid streaks in application.

A further advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that thereplaceable roller is easy to clean and replace.

Another advantage of the lotion applicator provided herein is that theroller seals between uses for mess free storage and travel and toprevent the roller from drying out and the lotion from going bad.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned byproduction or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages ofthe concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies,instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lotion applicator.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the lotion applicator shown inFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate the lotion applicator shown in FIG. 1 withthe head unit in place in FIG. 3 a and the head unit removed in FIG. 3b.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a manifold used in the lotion applicatorshown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a lotion applicator 100. As shown inFIG. 1 the lotion applicator 100 includes a pump mechanism 102 thatfeeds lotion 104 to a roller applicator 106. In the example shown inFIG. 1, the body 108 of the applicator provides an elongated structurethat enables the user to extend his or her reach to make the applicationprocess easier. As further shown, the lotion applicator 100 includes ahandle 110, a trigger 112, a locking mechanism 114, and a cover 116.

While the examples provided herein focus on the application of a lotion104 such as a sunscreen, it is understood that the term lotion 104, asused herein, includes any lotion, oil, gel, or other substance with aconsistency similar to a lotion.

Returning to FIG. 1, the embodiment of the handle 110 shown includesergonomically shaped grips 118 that may, for example, be made of a softrubber that provides a no-slip grip and is soft to the touch. However,it is contemplated that there are numerous variations of the handle 110and grips 118 that may be used to accomplish the advantages of thelotion applicator 100 provided herein.

The trigger 112 shown in FIG. 1 is the mechanism through which a userdistributes the lotion from the pump mechanism 102 to the rollerapplicator 106. As described further herein, the user controls the rateof the flow of the lotion 104 to the roller applicator 106 using thetrigger 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger 112 controls theoperation of a spring-loaded, ratcheting pump mechanism 102.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional side view of the lotionapplicator 100 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a pumpmechanism 102 that feeds lotion 104 to a roller applicator 106. Asshown, the pump mechanism 102 includes a holding tank 120, a ratchetingpiston 122, and a spring-loaded locking mechanism 114. While it isunderstood that variations of the pump mechanism 102 may be employed,the example provided in FIG. 2 is the presently preferred embodiment.

The holding tank 120 shown in FIG. 2 is a cylindrical holding tank 120adapted to hold approximately 2.5 oz. of lotion 104, or roughly theamount of lotion 104 required to complete at least two full bodyapplications of the lotion 104. The holding tank 120 fills from the topand is sealed along the bottom by a piston disk 124 and gasket 126. Thegasket 126 shown in FIG. 2 is a rubber O-ring gasket 126 that seals thespace between the piston disk 124 and the wall of the holding tank 120as the ratcheting piston 122 travels within the holding tank 120.

As shown, when the trigger 112 is depressed, the piston disk 124advances forward into the holding tank 120 to pressurize the lotion 104stored therein. The trigger 112 turns a gear 128 to advance a toothedarm 130 that drives the piston disk 124. The spring-loaded lockingmechanism 114 includes a pawl 132 to prevent backlash movement of thetoothed arm 130. Accordingly, the trigger 112 advances the piston disk124 in one direction only. However, a user can release the pawl 132 fromthe toothed arm 130 by pulling the spring-loaded locking mechanism 114away from the handle 110. When the spring-loaded locking mechanism 114is released, the piston disk 124 may travel backwards within the holdingtank 120, to enable a refill or otherwise reduce the pressure in theholding tank 120.

At the top of the holding tank 120 a supply tube 134 directs the flow ofthe lotion 104 to a manifold 136 that distributes the lotion 104 ontothe roller applicator 106. The supply tube 134 is positioned intofluid-tight communication with the holding tank 120 through a holdingtank cap 138. The holding tank cap 138 shown in FIG. 2 includes acentral bore 140 and screws onto the threaded top of the holding tank120. A head unit 142 of the lotion applicator 100 unscrews from thehandle 110 to reveal the holding tank cap 138, which may be removed forfilling the holding tank 120.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the head unit142 unscrews counter-clockwise from the handle 110 and can be removed toprovide access to the holding tank cap 138. A user may remove theholding tank cap 138 to fill the holding tank 120. For example, in theembodiment shown, a user may remove the head unit 142 by turning itcounter-clockwise one half turn. The user may then remove the holdingtank cap 138 by unscrewing it from the holding tank 120. Then, while thelotion applicator 100 is in an upright position, the user may releasethe spring-loaded locking mechanism 114 and push the piston disk 124back towards the bottom of the lotion applicator 100. The user may thenfill the holding tank 120 with the lotion 104 of choice, screw theholding tank cap 138 back into place and then reassemble the head unit142 onto the handle 110.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an example of a manifold 136 is shown. Themanifold 136 shown in FIG. 4 is adapted to evenly dispense the lotion104 along the length of the roller applicator 106. As the lotion 104 ispressure driven through the supply tube 134, it directed to a series ofsix outlets 144. Each outlet 144 is sized appropriately to maintain aneven flow of the lotion 104 across the width of the manifold 136. Inaddition, a distribution channel 146 is provided along the face of themanifold 136, which also assists in evenly distributing the flow of thelotion 104 across the roller applicator 106.

In a preferred embodiment, there are six outlets 144 distributed evendistances across the width of the manifold 136, which substantiallyspans the width of the roller applicator 106. The outlets 144 that aremost centrally located in the manifold 136 are the narrowest in diameterand the outlets 144 most peripherally located are the largest indiameter. The variation in outlet diameter varies the pressure at eachoutlet 144 and provides a more consistent coating of lotion 104 acrossthe width of the roller assembly 106. In addition, a distributionchannel 146 is provided along the face of the manifold 136 surroundingthe outlets 144, which also assists in evenly distributing the flow ofthe lotion 104 across the roller applicator 106. In a preferredembodiment, the distribution channel 146 is a shallowly recessedrectangular channel that allows the lotion 104 to spread out within thedistribution channel 146 to be more evenly spread across the rollerapplicator 106.

Returning to FIG. 1, the roller applicator 106 shown is a four-inchwide, dense foam with a felt outer layer that provides a soft, gentleapplication. It is understood, however, that the roller applicator 106may be provided in various shapes, sizes, and materials to accomplishthe advantages described herein. In the example shown, the rollerapplicator 106 is removable for cleaning and/or replacement. As shown,the roller applicator 106 is held in place with a snap-fit connection ateither end of the roller applicator 106, which secures the rollerapplicator 106 within the head unit 142 directly against the manifold136, which assists in keeping the dispensing of the lotion 104 clog-freeand even.

A removable cover 116 protects the roller applicator 106, as furthershown in FIG. 1. The cover may be, for example, a clear plasticprotector that rotates away from the roller applicator 106 to uncoverthe roller applicator 106 for use and then rotates back into position toseal the head unit 142 when it is not in use. For example, when it is tobe stored or transported.

The head unit 142 shown in FIG. 1 is reversible to adapt the lotionapplicator 100 for either left or right hand use. The head unit 142 maybe reversed by removing it from the handle 110 and reconnecting it afterit has been rotated 180 degrees.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages.

I claim:
 1. A lotion applicator comprising: a holding tank adapted tostore a quantity of viscous material; a body within which the holdingtank is located, wherein the body includes a proximal end and a distalend, wherein the body further includes a handle located closer to theproximal end than the distal end; a trigger located on the body suchthat a user can activate the trigger while grasping the handle; a rollerapplicator located adjacent to the distal end of the body; a pumpmechanism activated by the trigger to pump any viscous material storedin the holding tank from the tank; a manifold for receiving any viscousmaterial pumped from the holding tank and distributing any viscousmaterial pumped from the holding tank onto the roller applicator; and acover movable between a first position in which it seals the rollerapplicator and a second position in which the roller applicator isexposed.
 2. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein the manifoldincludes a plurality of outlets, wherein the outlets vary in diameterwith respect to each other.
 3. The lotion applicator of claim 2 whereinthe manifold includes six evenly spaced outlets, including an inner pairof outlets, a middle pair of outlets, and an outer pair of outlets,wherein the inner pair of outlets is the smallest and the outer pair ofoutlets is the largest.
 4. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein themanifold includes a distribution channel surrounding the outlets.
 5. Thelotion applicator of claim 1 wherein the trigger is activated bysqueezing the trigger towards the handle.
 6. The lotion applicator ofclaim 1 wherein the roller applicator is a foam roller.
 7. The lotionapplicator of claim 1 wherein the roller applicator is cylindricalshaped.
 8. The lotion applicator of claim 1 wherein the pump mechanismincludes a piston disk that pressurizes any viscous material stored inthe holding tank when advanced into the holding tank by the trigger. 9.The lotion applicator of claim 8 wherein the trigger advances the pistondisk using a ratcheting mechanism.
 10. The lotion applicator of claim 9wherein the piston disk is prevented from backing out of the holdingtank by a spring-loaded locking mechanism.
 11. A lotion applicatorcomprising: a body including a holding tank adapted to store a quantityof lotion; a roller applicator at one end of the body; a pump mechanismadapted to pump lotion from the holding tank to the roller applicator; amanifold adjacent to the roller applicator adapted to coat the rollerapplicator with the lotion pumped from the holding tank; and a covermoveable between a first position in which it seals the rollerapplicator, thereby also sealing the holding tank, and a second positionin which it uncovers the roller applicator for use.
 12. The lotionapplicator of claim 11 wherein the body includes a trigger thatactivates the pump mechanism.
 13. The lotion applicator of claim 12wherein the pump mechanism is activated by squeezing trigger.
 14. Thelotion applicator of claim 11 wherein the roller applicator is acylindrical foam roller.
 15. The lotion applicator of claim 14 whereinthe manifold is within ten percent of the width of the rollerapplicator.
 16. The lotion applicator of claim 15 wherein the manifoldincludes a series of outlets across the width of the manifold.
 17. Thelotion applicator of claim 16 wherein the series of outlets are evenlyspaced across the width of the manifold.
 18. The lotion applicator ofclaim 17 wherein the outlets further from center of the manifold arelarger in diameter than the outlets closer to the center of themanifold.
 19. The lotion applicator of claim 18 wherein the manifoldfurther includes a distribution channel surrounding the outlets.
 20. Thelotion applicator of claim 11 wherein the pump mechanism includes aspring-loaded locking mechanism through which a user may reset theassociation between the pump mechanism and the holding tank.